Skill Building Workshops - Michigan
Learning or refreshing collaborative communication and dispute resolution skills can help parents and educators work together effectively for the benefit of children with disabilities. These skills can help improve the quality of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), resolution meetings, and mediation sessions. Workshops conducted by the Michigan Special Education Mediation Program (MSEMP) are educational, practical, and fun. Workshop formats include lecture, discussion, and role-play exercises. Participants put their training to work on real-life special education concerns.
System Design/Management:
Many disagreements can be avoided or resolved early by using skills that promote collaboration. These skills include active listen, framing issues in a neutral fashion, “I” statements, and brainstorming.
The MSEMP offers workshops that teach these skills for use in IEP and other special education meetings. The workshops can be taken individually or as a series. They also can be tailored to fit the needs of specific school districts and parent groups.
The workshops in the series are:
- Dispute Resolution Options in Special Education
- Conflict Resolution and Communication in Special Education
- Discipline for Students with Disabilities
- Effective IEP Team Meeting Participation Techniques
- How to Develop Trusting Relationships Between Families and Schools
- How to Communicate with the Most Challenging Personalities
MSEMP workshops help individuals develop communication skills to assist them through the entire IEP process. They can help educators and parents:
- Develop a child focus.
- Plan ahead.
- Identify collaborative moments.
- Understand differing viewpoints.
- Improve communication.
- Identify issues and interests.
- Generate options.
- Choose solutions that work.
Availability/Accessing Services:
The MSEMP conducts several workshops to help educators and parents work together collaboratively, particularly in IEP and IFSP meetings to improve productivity and avoid disputes. These workshops can be taken as a series or individually and work well in professional or skill development programs. Some of the workshops qualify for SB-CEUs. The MSEMP will adapt workshops to your needs and conduct them at your location. MSEMP workshops are offered statewide on a shared cost basis.
Complete the online form to request training services: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=83zepHBakUitKe3z1yCDDh3J6Lt3iRROsAVNs7W2v3JUNUZUSFIySkIyOVdNRTA5NDFGQkdCQUNIVi4u
Materials/Activities:
View an information video about MSEMP workshops: https://vimeo.com/226064796